Hip-hop heritage

Since
it was founded in 1991, Rennie Harris Puremovement has performed
for sold-out audiences around the world. On Jan. 29, the troupe
comes back home for a historical overview.

Hip-hop may have evolved from the party music of young African Americans
in the South Bronx, but its roots go all the way back to Africa. And now
one of Philadelphias most talented hip-hop dance ensembles has chronicled
its history.

Rennie Harris Puremovements The History of Hip Hop,
at International House Jan. 29, surveys the emergence of a cultural phenomenon
from the combination of topical rap lyrics, rhythmic music and breakdancing
that first burst into popular consciousness in the early 1980s and has
now become embedded in mainstream culture. In keeping with the hip-hop
tradition, The History of Hip Hop incorporates historical
film footage, intricate dance moves, and live rappers and DJs to tell
the story of hip-hops evolution and offer current social and political
commentary on issues such as police brutality and the balance of power
in urban neighborhoods. The work fulfills one of choreographer Harris
lifelong goals: to document the history of hip-hop as it happened.

--S.S.

THE
HISTORY OF HIP HOP: 8 p.m. at International House, 3701 Chestnut St.
Tickets $20, students/seniors/children under 12/International House members
$18, International Music Series subscribers $17.50. Info: 215-895-6537.

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